USG discusses future approaches to funding

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Student government conducted their second to last meeting of the semester by discussing future funding periods and internal procedures.

During the Treasurer’s Report, United Student Government (USG) Treasurer Josh Croup started a discussion within the legislative body about allocated club funds during the past two semesters.

“In talking with the SAIL office recently, each of the past two semesters we’ve had at least one club overspend their allocated budget,” Croup said. “Some by more amounts than others, but we haven’t had a situation where that has hurt USG’s budget or individual organizations, but we also never took steps to address the situation before or after they arise.”

As the senators discussed how to approach clubs overspending their allocated funds, the question arose as to potential consequences placed on organizations that extensively exceed their allocations.

“Something to think about is what that process is,” Dean of Student Life Michael Gieseke said. “Right now a club goes over [budget], what is USG’s process for dealing with that?”

Once the funding leaves USG’s hands, it is up the Office of Student Activities, Involvement and Leadership (SAIL) to authorize purchases.

“Remember that we are here to help student organizations and not to necessarily punish them,” Croup said. “But to place some precautions or some safeguards in case a situation were to arise.”

This week, the rules committee received a request to recognize the Pioneer Closet as a student organization on campus. Senator Kris Chandler read aloud the organization’s mission statement:

“The purpose of this organization shall be to provide an avenue for charity here at Point Park tending to the needs of the students by providing the basic needs they require.”

During last week’s meeting, Senator Samiar Nefzi addressed that students have come to him not knowing who USG was and what the organization does. Since then, more senator social media profiles have been added, including a picture, major, email address, office hours and a fun fact about the senator.

“We had them in the works,” said Senator Montana Gabriele, a member of the communications committee. “We had to send them to our graphic designer and put them on social media.”

Student Concerns Committee member and Recording Secretary Shaniece Lawrence announced that concerns have gone through and changes will be discussed next semester.

Dec. 8 is the last day clubs and organizations can spend allocated funds from this semester. Leftover funds will not be carried over into the spring 2018 semester.

Disclosure: USG Treasurer Josh Croup is a co-sports editor for the Globe.

Correction: A previous version of this article implied USG’s Monday, Dec. 4 meeting was the last meeting of the semester.USG will hold its final meeting of the semester Dec. 11 at 3:15 p.m. in the Student Center.